Online Security Guard Training and Career Center

How “In-Shape” Do You Have to Be to Become a Security Guard?

Most people who are looking to start their career in protective services as security guards know that there’s a minimum level of education required to become one – typically at least a high school diploma, GED or equivalent certificates.

Please see the state map on the homepage for all of the requirements in your state.

Many people, however, wonder if there is some sort of physical requirement as well. In other words, how “in-shape” do you have to be to become a security guard.

Minmum Requirements

No U.S. states require any kind of physical fitness test, at least for now, however some companies who are looking to hire may potentially require some sort of fitness evaluation, just to make sure a possible employee has the capability to do what is required while on the job.

Before you apply to any company, it’s best to ask about all of the the requirements first so you can make sure you show up with all of the experience and training necessary.

Physical Fitness

As far as physical fitness is concerned, it’s obvious that the more “in-shape” you are, the better. Most entry-level security positions require a bit of walking, depending on the location(s) that you are sent to protect and oversee, and certain situations may arise while on the job that may require you to run or lift-heavy objects.

The most important thing to understand is this: it is your primary job to observe and report and if your physical abilities hinder that, you may be putting yourself and those people around you in danger.

How to Improve Your Physical Fitness

There are several ways to improve your physical health, as you probably already know, and it’s not our position to tell you what you should do. Chances are, you already know what you have to do – you just have to do it, whether it’s exercise more, eat better, or whatever.

Our goal is to motivate you to do what you know you need to do.

The security guard career is an exciting and fulfilling path that is currently in high-demand, and we’d hate to see anyone be denied the opportunity to become a part of this community because of physical setbacks.

Our best tip as far as improving fitness and health is this:

Make small changes because they add up.

If you’re not a healthy eater, that’s fine. Most of us aren’t and great tasting food is, well – great. You don’t need to make a drastic change, just cut one or two things out and be strong about it. Maybe it’s just cutting out all the carbonated drinks, or that grande white chocolate mocha with whip you have each morning. One little change can make a huge change.

If you’re not into exercising much, that’s fine too. It’s hard to go from nothing to 2 hours in the gym each day. Just take the stairs instead of the elevator once a day, or take a walk during your lunch break instead of checking your email. Again, these small changes can really change your life.

Whatever you choose to do if you need to get into better shape, we wish you the best of luck!